The American Library in Paris The American Library in Paris

The American Library in Paris

With its long and deeply involved history in France, The American Library in Paris has served as a cultural and artistic mecca since the 1920s. It is Europe's largest English-language lending library and hosts countless programs, events, and speakers, aiming to foster a passion for reading and an appreciation for history within all who enter its walls.

Writing History Through Literature

The American Library in Paris

Despite changing locations several times, The American Library in Paris has remained a consistent presence on the international stage. In the decades since its founding, the American Library in Paris has consistently embodied its motto: "Atrum post bellum, ex libris lux," which translates to: "After the darkness of war, the light of books." The Library was originally established in 1920, following World War I, to collect wartime books sent to American soldiers and allies who fought during the War. During World War II, the Library fought to remain uncensored and even established an underground lending service to Jews, whose access to libraries was revoked under the Nazi regime. Since then, the Library has remained a hopeful symbol of American and French relations, as well as a reminder of the past century's deeply complicated history.

The American Library in Paris has been, and continues to be, a welcoming site for many of the most influential writers in the English literary canon. A few of these past high-profile members have included writers Mary McCarthy, Samuel Beckett, and Richard Wright – American authors who, at one point, moved to France. The Library continues to attract not only established authors, but also members of a new generation of up-and-coming readers and writers. These aspiring authors and literary connoisseurs come to the Library to find companionship in monthly book groups, inspiration in speeches given by famous literary figures, and recognition through initiatives such as the Young Authors Fiction Festival. Through this variety of programs, the Library keeps the influential spirit of the written word alive for generations to come.

GRoW Support

2022

PROGRAMMING - GROW @ ANNENBERG EVENING WITH AN AUTHOR SERIES

2021

Programming - GRoW @ Annenberg Evening with an Author Series

Event - Gala

2020

Programming - GRoW @ Annenberg Evening with an Author Series

Event - Century Gala

2018

Programming - Evening with an Author

2017

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2016

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2015

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2014

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2013

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2012

General Operating Support

2011

Programming - Evening with an Author

General Operating Support

2010

Capital Support

2009

General Operating Support

Programming - Evenings with an Author

Capital Support

2008

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2006

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2005

General Operating Support

2004

General Operating Support

Fundraising Campaign

Programming - Evening with an Author

2003

General Operating Support

2002

General Operating Support

Operations - Children's Librarian Position

2001

General Operating Support

Programming - Evening with an Author

2000

General Operating Support

1999

Programming - American Studies Program

General Operating Support

1998

Operations - Children's Librarian Position

1997

General Operating Support

1996

Operations - Book Acquisitions and Multimedia Station

1994

Operations - Book Acquisitions

The American Library in Paris

GRoW @ Annenberg Evening with an Author Series

The American Library in Paris Centennial